Cool Mornings, Warm Drinks

I recently heard a woman proclaim that while she had enjoyed her green juice all summer long, now that the weather had cooled she found herself craving a warm morning drink, and so she had gone back to coffee after a 6 month hiatus. While coffee can be delicious and has recently been found to have some promising qualities, it is also quite acidic which can bother a sensitive stomach and contribute to inflammatory responses within the body. In the spirit of the season here are a few healthy options to keep you warm on those crisp fall mornings.

Yerba Mate is a beverage made from a plant native to several South American countries. It has more caffeine than green tea, but not nearly as much as coffee. It is significantly less acidic than coffee, which is key to keeping you healthy. It is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols along with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex, numerous minerals, amino acids and fatty acids.

Chai Tea is traditionally made from a base of black tea mixed with spices such as pepper, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, all with their own unique health promoting properties. The tea can be prepared and consumed on its own or blended with milk (dairy, soy, almond, etc.) and honey for a slightly sweet, creamy beverage. Black tea is rich in antioxidants but also has quite a bit of caffeine and is generally more acidic than its green counterpart.

Green Tea is particularly rich in health-promoting flavonoids and contains vitamin C, minerals such as chromium, manganese, selenium and zinc. It is an extremely potent antioxidant and is quite delicious to boot! There is a huge variety of green teas available with each having its own distinct taste and characteristics. Some are even blended or scented with other flavors, such as jasmine. If you haven’t found one you love, keep tasting!

Nettle Tea is really an herbal infusion and not a “tea” at all. It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), and B5, as well as minerals, such as calcium, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium and zinc. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which may help with such ailments as allergies, acne and arthritis. Adding a touch of honey and lemon will make for a delicious herbal drink.